Wednesday, March 18, 2009

The Crookston Pirates Special Olympics basketball team completed their season in Perham in the Region 4 tournament. The morning session was individual skills and the athletes all placed well in their divisions. The afternoon had games. There were 3 on 3 half court games (which the majority of teams played) and full court. There were only 2 teams entered in the full court, of which the Pirates were one. The other team was the Perham team, who are the 5 time state champions in the highest division. Apparently no one else wanted to take them on, but the Pirates were willing and able. Last year, they lost 62 -0. This year was different. The Pirates lost both games of the best of three, but there is more to the story than that. This time the scores were 48-6 and 41-5. The athletes stood toe to toe with them and did not let down. By the end, they were exhausted. But, they lived the spirit of the special olympics oath, "Let me win, but if I do not win, let me be brave in the attempt."